Pav Bhaji is one of India’s most beloved street foods, originating in Mumbai. This spicy vegetable mash paired with buttery pav (bread rolls) is a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a family dinner, gatherings, or simply satisfying your street food cravings, this Pav Bhaji recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with the bold flavors of Indian spices.
Why Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji is a complete meal that combines vegetables, spices, and buttery pav, making it both hearty and delicious. It’s versatile, allowing you to use seasonal vegetables and adjust spice levels to your preference. Whether served as a snack or main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):
- Potatoes: 3 medium, boiled and mashed
- Cauliflower: 1 cup, finely chopped
- Green Peas: 1/2 cup
- Capsicum: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato: 3 large, pureed
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tsp
- Pav Bhaji Masala: 2 tbsp
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Water: 2 cups
For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
- Pav (Bread Rolls): 8 pieces
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Pav Bhaji Masala: 1/2 tsp (for buttering the pav)
For Garnish:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful, chopped
- Lemon Wedges: Optional
- Finely Chopped Onions: For serving
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pav Bhaji
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Boil and mash the potatoes.
- Cook the cauliflower, green peas, and capsicum until soft.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Spices
- Heat butter in a large pan or kadai.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Bhaji
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Mix in pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add the cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Mash everything together using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Toast the Pav
- Heat a tawa (flat griddle) and melt butter.
- Sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala over the butter.
- Toast the pav on both sides until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, garnished with coriander leaves, a dollop of butter, and chopped onions.
- Place the toasted pav on the side with lemon wedges for an added zing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Pav Bhaji with a side of green chutney or yogurt for a cooling effect.
- Pair it with crunchy papad or a refreshing salad for added texture.
- Enjoy it as a main dish or a snack—it’s perfect any time of the day!
Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji
- Vegetables: Use fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust red chili powder or add green chilies for extra heat.
- Butter: Don’t skimp on butter—it adds richness and authenticity to the dish.
- Consistency: Add water gradually to achieve a smooth, thick texture for the bhaji.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fats: 10g
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Pav Bhaji
Equipment
- Large pan or kadai
- Tawa (Flat Griddle)
- Potato masher
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes boiled and mashed
- 1 cup cauliflower finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 medium capsicum chopped
- 3 large tomatoes pureed
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 8 pav (bread rolls)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp pav bhaji masala
Notes
- Adjust water for a thicker or thinner bhaji.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Pav Bhaji is a timeless Indian street food that’s both hearty and delicious. With its rich flavors and buttery goodness, this dish is sure to win hearts. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a comforting meal at home, this Pav Bhaji recipe will never disappoint. Try it today and experience the taste of Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture in your own kitchen!
